The 100 Greatest Songs of 1974 #8. You Haven’t Done Nothin’ (20 Viewers)

[timschochet]

17. Joni Mitchell “Free Man In Paris” (from Court and Spark)

Free Man in Paris

Provided to YouTube by RhinoFree Man in Paris · Joni MitchellCourt and Sparkâ 1974 Asylum RecordsMastering Engineer: Bernie GrundmanBacking Vocals: David C...

youtu.be

Mitchell’s tribute to David Geffen (or perhaps it’s a sly mockery) is one of her greatest songs. Geffen was considered a ruthless businessman 50 years ago, except perhaps to his closest friends; he had roughly the same reputation that Scooter Braun has today. (Braun regards Geffen as his mentor in the music business.)

 

[Pip's Invitation]

17. Joni Mitchell “Free Man In Paris” (from Court and Spark)

Free Man in Paris

Provided to YouTube by RhinoFree Man in Paris · Joni MitchellCourt and Sparkâ 1974 Asylum RecordsMastering Engineer: Bernie GrundmanBacking Vocals: David C...

youtu.be

Mitchell’s tribute to David Geffen (or perhaps it’s a sly mockery) is one of her greatest songs. Geffen was considered a ruthless businessman 50 years ago, except perhaps to his closest friends; he had roughly the same reputation that Scooter Braun has today. (Braun regards Geffen as his mentor in the music business.)

You don’t get to be a billionaire without being ruthless. Unless you inherit billions, which means your ancestor was ruthless.

This too should have been higher (Binky: lower). The two hits from Court and Spark are among the very best songs of the 70s regardless of genre.

I have seen this performed live … by Phish.

 

[timschochet]

16. Bob Marley “No Woman, No Cry” (from Natty Dread)

Bob Marley - No Woman, No Cry (Official Video)

Bob Marley & The Wailers "No Woman, No Cry" (Live At The Lyceum, London 1975) official music video.Subscribe to the channel to never miss an update: https://...

youtu.be

Widely regarded as one of the greatest reggae songs of all time. Not my personal favorite Marley tune, but I had to place it high in the rankings.

 

[timschochet]

15. Jackson Browne “Fountain of Sorrow” (from Late For the Sky)

Fountain of Sorrow (Remastered)

Provided to YouTube by Rhino/ElektraFountain of Sorrow (Remastered) · Jackson BrowneLate for the Skyâ 1974 Elektra Entertainment Group Inc. for the United St...

youtu.be

I’ve been a fairly big fan of Jackson Browne’s early material over the years (from his first 3 albums), and this song just might be the best of it. So well written, such great introspective lyrics. I don’t get tired of this.

 

[timschochet]

14. David Bowie “Rebel Rebel” (from Diamond Dogs)

Rebel Rebel (2014 Remaster)

Provided to YouTube by RhinoRebel Rebel (2014 Remaster) · David BowieLegacyâ Under exclusive licence to Parlophone Records Limited, â 1974, 2014 Jones/Tintor...

youtu.be

Proto-punk: music from the late 60s and early 70s that set the stage for the punk rock movement of the late 70s.

“Rebel Rebel”: perhaps the ultimate proto-punk song. Bowie abandoned glam and ushered in a whole new sound with one of the sharpest guitar lines ever laid down.

 

[massraider]

I don't mind this song (or Cocker himself), but this isn't the most diverse song. Hearing this on AM Top 40 Radio twice an hour, it could get repetitive really fast.

Fackkking 'Ell, you have a great soul singer like Cocker, and the least soulful song he ever sang gets chosen.

Criminy

 

[massraider]

Proto-punk: music from the late 60s and early 70s that set the stage for the punk rock movement of the late 70s.

Birth of punk right here

Iggy and The Stooges - Raw Power (1997 Mix Private Remaster) - 01 Search And Destroy

The back story:I watched a documentary about David Bowie on BBC Four. They mentioned that he mixed "Raw Power" back in 1973. Intrigued (as I'd never previous...

www.youtube.com

 

[New Binky the Doormat]

Proto-punk: music from the late 60s and early 70s that set the stage for the punk rock movement of the late 70s.

Birth of punk right here

Iggy and The Stooges - Raw Power (1997 Mix Private Remaster) - 01 Search And Destroy

The back story:I watched a documentary about David Bowie on BBC Four. They mentioned that he mixed "Raw Power" back in 1973. Intrigued (as I'd never previous...

www.youtube.com

don't want to get technical - but let's go back 4 years before this amazing kickass song with the same group


I Wanna Be Your Dog

 

[massraider]

Proto-punk: music from the late 60s and early 70s that set the stage for the punk rock movement of the late 70s.

Birth of punk right here

Iggy and The Stooges - Raw Power (1997 Mix Private Remaster) - 01 Search And Destroy

The back story:I watched a documentary about David Bowie on BBC Four. They mentioned that he mixed "Raw Power" back in 1973. Intrigued (as I'd never previous...

www.youtube.com

don't want to get technical - but let's go back 4 years before this amazing kickass song with the same group


I Wanna Be Your Dog

DANGIT

this is a better answer

 

[northern exposure]

Proto-punk: music from the late 60s and early 70s that set the stage for the punk rock movement of the late 70s.

Birth of punk right here

Iggy and The Stooges - Raw Power (1997 Mix Private Remaster) - 01 Search And Destroy

The back story:I watched a documentary about David Bowie on BBC Four. They mentioned that he mixed "Raw Power" back in 1973. Intrigued (as I'd never previous...

www.youtube.com

don't want to get technical - but let's go back 4 years before this amazing kickass song with the same group


I Wanna Be Your Dog

DANGIT

this is a better answer

What about MC5 and Kick Out The Jams?

 

[Pip's Invitation]

Proto-punk: music from the late 60s and early 70s that set the stage for the punk rock movement of the late 70s.

Birth of punk right here

Iggy and The Stooges - Raw Power (1997 Mix Private Remaster) - 01 Search And Destroy

The back story:I watched a documentary about David Bowie on BBC Four. They mentioned that he mixed "Raw Power" back in 1973. Intrigued (as I'd never previous...

www.youtube.com

don't want to get technical - but let's go back 4 years before this amazing kickass song with the same group


I Wanna Be Your Dog

DANGIT

this is a better answer

What about MC5 and Kick Out The Jams?

What about The Monks?

 

[Pip's Invitation]

16. Bob Marley “No Woman, No Cry” (from Natty Dread)

Bob Marley - No Woman, No Cry (Official Video)

Bob Marley & The Wailers "No Woman, No Cry" (Live At The Lyceum, London 1975) official music video.Subscribe to the channel to never miss an update: https://...

youtu.be

Widely regarded as one of the greatest reggae songs of all time. Not my personal favorite Marley tune, but I had to place it high in the rankings.

The live version that appears on the Legend compilation is better than the studio version.

 

[zamboni]

Proto-punk: music from the late 60s and early 70s that set the stage for the punk rock movement of the late 70s.

Birth of punk right here

Iggy and The Stooges - Raw Power (1997 Mix Private Remaster) - 01 Search And Destroy

The back story:I watched a documentary about David Bowie on BBC Four. They mentioned that he mixed "Raw Power" back in 1973. Intrigued (as I'd never previous...

www.youtube.com

don't want to get technical - but let's go back 4 years before this amazing kickass song with the same group


I Wanna Be Your Dog

DANGIT

this is a better answer

What about MC5 and Kick Out The Jams?

What about The Monks?

Like many genres, it's tough to corral when punk really started. Many point to the Kingsmen's "Louie, Louie" as an early influence.

 

[timschochet]

13. The Doobie Brothers “Black Water” (from What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits)

The Doobie Brothers - Black Water (Official Music Video)

Official music video for The Doobie Brothers - "Black Water" from 'What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits' (1974)Subscribe to The Doobie Brothers channel https:...

youtu.be

I’d like to hear some funky Dixieland, pretty momma come and take me by the hand

Patrick Simmons’ tribute to Delta blues is timeless and wonderful and among the best songs this band ever released. I’ve always loved the dreamy way it begins. Gorgeous harmonies throughout.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

13. The Doobie Brothers “Black Water” (from What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits)

The Doobie Brothers - Black Water (Official Music Video)

Official music video for The Doobie Brothers - "Black Water" from 'What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits' (1974)Subscribe to The Doobie Brothers channel https:...

youtu.be

I’d like to hear some funky Dixieland, pretty momma come and take me by the hand

Patrick Simmons’ tribute to Delta blues is timeless and wonderful and among the best songs this band ever released. I’ve always loved the dreamy way it begins. Gorgeous harmonies throughout.

Amusing that their first #1 was from their "microphone #2" guy. And it was originally a B-side that DJs flipped over.

It's underrated as a group drunken singalong tune.

 

[massraider]

13. The Doobie Brothers “Black Water” (from What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits)

The Doobie Brothers - Black Water (Official Music Video)

Official music video for The Doobie Brothers - "Black Water" from 'What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits' (1974)Subscribe to The Doobie Brothers channel https:...

youtu.be

I’d like to hear some funky Dixieland, pretty momma come and take me by the hand

Patrick Simmons’ tribute to Delta blues is timeless and wonderful and among the best songs this band ever released. I’ve always loved the dreamy way it begins. Gorgeous harmonies throughout.

Amusing that their first #1 was from their "microphone #2" guy. And it was originally a B-side that DJs flipped over.

It's underrated as a group drunken singalong tune.

I was super late to the Doobie Brothers.

When I was a kid, I thought it was a stupid name, and any band that had a guy with a mustache and a Crystal Gayle haircut I rejected immediately. (And there were SEVERAL of these guys in the 70's).

Now I dig them, and I like both versions.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

13. The Doobie Brothers “Black Water” (from What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits)

The Doobie Brothers - Black Water (Official Music Video)

Official music video for The Doobie Brothers - "Black Water" from 'What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits' (1974)Subscribe to The Doobie Brothers channel https:...

youtu.be

I’d like to hear some funky Dixieland, pretty momma come and take me by the hand

Patrick Simmons’ tribute to Delta blues is timeless and wonderful and among the best songs this band ever released. I’ve always loved the dreamy way it begins. Gorgeous harmonies throughout.

They were a good band. The rock critics despised them, but the record-buying public didn't.

 

[zamboni]

13. The Doobie Brothers “Black Water” (from What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits)

The Doobie Brothers - Black Water (Official Music Video)

Official music video for The Doobie Brothers - "Black Water" from 'What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits' (1974)Subscribe to The Doobie Brothers channel https:...

youtu.be

I’d like to hear some funky Dixieland, pretty momma come and take me by the hand

Patrick Simmons’ tribute to Delta blues is timeless and wonderful and among the best songs this band ever released. I’ve always loved the dreamy way it begins. Gorgeous harmonies throughout.

They were a good band. The rock critics despised them, but the record-buying public didn't.

No one loved them more than Raj, Rerun and the gang did.

 

[timschochet]

12. Harry Chapin “Cat’s In the Cradle” (from Verities and Balderdash)

Harry Chapin - Cats in the Cradle

Song starts 1:05LyricsMy child arrived just the other dayHe came to the world in the usual wayBut there were planes to catch, and bills to payHe learned to ...

youtu.be

So here is a song that almost everybody knows. Like most of what Chapin did, it’s a story song, the lyrics originally written by his wife. The tale is simple yet deeply moving: a father is too busy to spend time with his son, and when the son grows up he’s too busy to spend time with his dad. An obvious message with very little subtlety; Harry wants to hit us on the head with a hammer. And it has always worked with me. The final verse lines “My boy was just like me” still gets me every time, Sob.

 

[zamboni]

12. Harry Chapin “Cat’s In the Cradle” (from Verities and Balderdash)

Harry Chapin - Cats in the Cradle

Song starts 1:05LyricsMy child arrived just the other dayHe came to the world in the usual wayBut there were planes to catch, and bills to payHe learned to ...

youtu.be

So here is a song that almost everybody knows. Like most of what Chapin did, it’s a story song, the lyrics originally written by his wife. The tale is simple yet deeply moving: a father is too busy to spend time with his son, and when the son grows up he’s too busy to spend time with his dad. An obvious message with very little subtlety; Harry wants to hit us on the head with a hammer. And it has always worked with me. The final verse lines “My boy was just like me” still gets me every time, Sob.

Great song and one of the ultimate gut punches for the dads among us.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

12. Harry Chapin “Cat’s In the Cradle” (from Verities and Balderdash)

Harry Chapin - Cats in the Cradle

Song starts 1:05LyricsMy child arrived just the other dayHe came to the world in the usual wayBut there were planes to catch, and bills to payHe learned to ...

youtu.be

So here is a song that almost everybody knows. Like most of what Chapin did, it’s a story song, the lyrics originally written by his wife. The tale is simple yet deeply moving: a father is too busy to spend time with his son, and when the son grows up he’s too busy to spend time with his dad. An obvious message with very little subtlety; Harry wants to hit us on the head with a hammer. And it has always worked with me. The final verse lines “My boy was just like me” still gets me every time, Sob.

The crying emoji is the only way to react to this.

 

[timschochet]

11. Randy Newman “Louisiana 1927” (from Good Old Boys)

Randy Newman "Louisiana 1927"

The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927

youtu.be

Arguably Randy Newman’s greatest song, this is a lush, gorgeous masterpiece. Though originally written for the piano it sounds best with a full orchestra. A completely brilliant tune.

 

[northern exposure]

11. Randy Newman “Louisiana 1927” (from Good Old Boys)

Randy Newman "Louisiana 1927"

The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927

youtu.be

Arguably Randy Newman’s greatest song, this is a lush, gorgeous masterpiece. Though originally written for the piano it sounds best with a full orchestra. A completely brilliant tune.

Great song. "God's Song" is my favorite Newman tune.

 

[timschochet]

10. Supertramp “Bloody Well Right” (from Crime of the Century)

Bloody Well Right

Provided to YouTube by Universal Music GroupBloody Well Right · SupertrampThe Very Best Of Supertrampâ 1974 A&M RecordsReleased on: 1990-01-01Producer, Studi...

youtu.be

One of their best songs and one of the great classic rock songs of the era. The piano opening is still sublime after all these years.

 

[timschochet]

100. “This Town AIn’t Big Enough For The Both Of Us”- Sparks
99. “Billy, Don’t Be A Hero”- Bo Donaldson & The Heywoods
98. “Already Gone” Eagles
97. “Whatever Gets You Through The Night” John Lennon
96. “Oh Very Young” Cat Stevens
95. “You Angel You” Bob Dylan
94. “Roll On Down The Highway” Bachman Turner Overdrive
93. “Dance With Me” Orleans
92. “Court and Spark” Joni Mitchell
91. “I Can Help” Billy Swan
90. “Can’t Gst It Out Of My Head” Electric Light Orchestra
89. “The Entertainer” Marvin Hamlisch
88. “Then Came You” Dionne Warwick & The Spinners
87. “My Eyes Adored You” Frankie Valli
86. “Dark Horse” George Harrison
85. “Brighton Rock” Queen
84. “Longfellow Serenade” Neil Diamond
83. “Laughter In the Rain” Neil Sedaka
82. “Ol’ 55” Eagles
81. “Dreamer” Supertramp
80. “Long Live Rock” The Who
79. “Magic” Pilot
78. “#9 Dream” John Lennon
77. “Come Monday” Jimmy Buffett
76. “Must Of Got Lost” J. Geils Band
75. “Lonely People” America
74. “The Night Chicago Died” Paper Lace
73. “Some Kind of Wonderful” Grand Funk Railroad
72. “Forever Young” Bob Dylan
71. “It’s Only Rock ‘N’ Roll (But I Like It)” The Rolling Stones
70. “She Knows” Thin Lizzy
69. “You’re My First, My Last, My Everything” Barry White
68. “Solace” Marvin Hamlisch
67. “Poetry Man” Phoebe Snow
66. “Lovin’ You” Minnie Riperton
65. “I Shot the Sheriff” Eric Clapton
64. “Fox On The Run” Sweet
63. “I’ve Got the Music In Me” Kiki Dee Band
62. “When Will I Be Loved” Linda Ronstadt
61. “I Honestly Love You” Olivia Newton-John
60. “Same Old Song and Dance” Aerosmith
59. “Tin Man” America
58. “Shame, Shame, Shame” Shirley & Company
57. “Pretzel Logic” Steely Dan
56. “Pure and Easy” The Who
55. “Can’t Get Enough” Bad Company
54. “Jackie Blue” Ozark Mountain Daredevils
53. “Late for the Sky” Jackson Browne
52. “The Air That I Breathe” The Hollies
51. “Mighty Mighty” Earth, Wind & Fire
50. “Best Of My Love” Eagles
49. “Waterloo” ABBA
48. “Roll Away the Stone” Mott The Hoople
47. “Working Man” Rush
46. “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Babe” Barry White
45. “1984” David Bowie
44. “Pick Up the Pieces” Average White Band
43. “Call Me The Breeze” Lynyrd Skynyrd
42. “Annie’s Song” John Denver
41. “Bungle In the Jungle” Jethro Tull
40. “Autobahn” Kraftwerk
39. “Rednecks” Randy Newman
38. “The ***** Is Back” Elton John
37. “Now I’m Here” Queen
36. “Love Hurts” Nazareth
35. “Carefree Highway” Gordon Lightfoot
34. “A Pirate Looks At Forty” Jimmy Buffett
33. “How Long” Ace
32. “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” The Rolling Stones
31. “I Will Always Love You” Dolly Parton
30. “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet” Bachman Turner Overdrive
29. “Boogie On Reggae Woman” Stevie Wonder
28. “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number” Steely Dan
27. “The Ballad of Curtis Loew” Lynyrd Skynyrd
26. “Kung Fu Fighting” Carl Douglas
25. “Bad Company” Bad Company
24. “Help Me” Joni Mitchell
23. “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me” Elton John
22. “Sundown” Gordon Lightfoot
21. “You Are So Beautiful” Joe Cocker
20. “Fire” The Ohio Players
19. “Skating Away (On the Thin Ice of the New Day)” Jethro Tull
18. “September Gurls” Big Star
17. “Free Man In Paris” Joni Mitchell
16. “No Woman, No Cry” Bob Marley
15. “Fountain of Sorrow” Jackson Browne
14. “Rebel Rebel” David Bowie
13. “Black Water” The Doobie Brothers
12. “Cat’s In the Cradle” Harry Chapin
11. “Louisiana 1927” Randy Newman
10. “Bloody Well Right” Supertramp

 

[timschochet]

9. Al Green “Take Me to the River” (from Al Green Explores Your Mind)

Al Green - Take Me To The River (Official Audio)

Official audio for "Take Me To The River" by Al Green, from the album Al Green Explores Your Mind (1974)Subscribe: http://bit.ly/2j8ulPsFacebook: http://face...

youtu.be

OK we’re getting into the legendary stuff now. Although I do love Talking Head’s version of this tune (particularly the live version from Stop Making Sense) the original represents soul at its very very best. Though it does always remind me of The Sopranos.

 

[timschochet]

7. Stevie Wonder “You Haven’t Done Nothin’” (from Fullfillingness’ First Finale)

You Haven't Done Nothin'

Provided to YouTube by Universal Music GroupYou Haven't Done Nothin' · Stevie WonderFulfillingness' First Finaleâ 1974 Motown Records, a Division of UMG Reco...

youtu.be

Among the top ten greatest funk songs ever recorded (with a few more on this list coming up.) This is also a protest song, sung about Richard Nixon who resigned from the Presidency in 1974. That opening guitar is simply money.